On the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will engage in his first direct meeting with US President Donald Trump. This meeting, as announced by the Foreign Office of Pakistan, will involve select Muslim leaders and is intended to facilitate discussions on regional and international peace and security. Leading Pakistan’s delegation, Shehbaz, along with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other officials, will participate in the UNGA’s high-level segment starting September 22. The Prime Minister plans to use his address at the UNGA to advocate for the resolution of conflicts involving prolonged occupation and the denial of self-determination, specifically in Palestine and India-occupied Kashmir. He intends to highlight the crisis in Gaza and encourage international action to aid the Palestinian people. The FO also mentioned that the Prime Minister will present Pakistan’s position on regional security issues and global challenges, including climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development. Shehbaz’s schedule includes high-level events such as UN Security Council meetings, a session of the Global Development Initiative, and a special event on Climate Action. He is also set to hold discussions with UN officials and world leaders. The FO highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, emphasizing that the Prime Minister’s participation underscores the nation’s dedication to the UN and its contributions to global peace and progress. This meeting will be Shehbaz Sharif’s first face-to-face encounter with Trump since he assumed office. The meeting occurs amidst increasing tensions in the Middle East, with recent incidents, such as Israeli strikes in Doha, drawing condemnation. Following these events, Trump met with the Qatari Prime Minister and expressed initial concerns. However, the US has since reaffirmed its relationship with Israel. In the context of these developments, Shehbaz and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently formalized a strategic mutual defense agreement in Riyadh.
Shehbaz Sharif to Meet Trump at UNGA, Discussing Regional and Global Issues with Muslim Leaders
